Watches NEWS
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 Steel - Hands-On, Specs & Price
What you’re about to see might just be a simple change of material, but it is nevertheless great news – not only because the watch looks superb, not only because the price is significantly lower but also because it is a great strategic choice. When it was introduced back in 2015, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 was an immediate success. Available in platinum or in pink gold until now, today it makes its debut in the hottest of all materials: Steel!Steel… It is surprising to see how ambivalent this material is. For most watches, steel is the sensible, rational choice of material; it is much more accessible than any other material, it is solid, it is resistant to external aggressions, and it is easy to machine and finish. In short, a no-nonsense choice driven by pragmatism. But that’s for the masses… When it comes to high-end watches, steel is the exception. When it comes to non-sports watches, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin or
Hands-On With The New, Redesigned Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic
Rome, la citt¨¤ eterna, exerts a strong gravitational pull on all Bulgari‘s products. The iconic Octo family, which takes its octagonal geometry from Ancient Roman architectural motifs, has many branches, including the invincible legion of ultra-thin record-breaking Octo Finissimo models. The Octo Roma, introduced by Bulgari in 2017, upholds its proud octagonal heritage but exhibits softer lines and displays only 58 facets compared to the dramatic razor-sharp edges produced by the 110 facets of its Finissimo brothers. For 2023, Bulgari refreshes its Octo Roma Automatic Time-and-Date model with a host of updates and a new Clous de Paris dial, a nod to the Swiss blood (movement) animating the collection.The beguiling juxtaposition of an octagon surmounted by a circle that characterises the Octo family was inspired by the octagonal coffering found on the vaults of the 310 AD Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum.?The more rounded, softer lines of the Octo Roma reflect a distinctiv
The Best High-End Skeletonized Watches of 2022 So Far - Monochrome Watches
It takes tremendous amounts of knowledge and craftsmanship to open up a dial or a movement, or both for that matter, to reveal the inner beauty of a watch. The art of skeletonization remains one of the most intriguing watchmaking styles available. And I don't mean cutting a hole in the dial to reveal the balance wheel. No, I am talking about exposing as much as possible, even leaving a traditional dial out of the equation altogether. I am talking about proper fully skeletonized watchmaking, and this year we've already seen quite a few extremely impressive examples.Cartier Masse MysterieuseThe enigmatic Cartier Masse Mysterieuse is easily one of the most fascinating watches presented in 2022. This puzzling watch by the Grand Dame pushes the Mysterieuse concept to the next level. Set in a 43.5mm wide platinum case is a completely suspended, self-driving movement. The semi-circular construction also happens to be entirely skeletonized, revealing its intricacies yet never fully disclosing
Introducing the IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince in Red Gold - Specs and Price - Monochrome Watches
The end of last year we told you about the limited edition Big Pilot Watch?honouring one of IWC’s?favourite ambassadors, the late Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and his famous character le petit Prince. Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and the Petit Prince', feature as IWC limited editions regularly and always, a part of the proceeds go to a good cause. After the steel version, IWC have now come with a follow up limited edition, the IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince in red gold.The “Le Petit Prince” are all limited editions and the Antoine de Saint-Exupery editions are ‘special editions’ and all are linked with charity. For instance the Pilot Chronograph Saint-Exupery ‘Last Flight‘, which is entirely executed in a?brown ceramic case, comes in several editions, and one of these editions has a platinum crown, pushers and case-back. This platinum model is auctioned and all proceeds go to the Antoine de Saint-Exupery Foundation. A part of the proceeds of ALL ̶
Editorial - Vegan Straps & Eco-Friendly Recycled Materials in Watchmaking
A new trend is simmering in the distance. Or maybe not so far away. Now the Glasgow Climate summit has been concluded with a final declaration that leaves a lot to be desired; perhaps it is time to turn to ourselves as watch collectors to make a difference. We are not asking you to walk to the next Geneva Watch Days, eat vegan ‘Bratwursten’ or only buy Fairmined gold watches, we are just interested to know how you feel about making a small contribution by, let’s say, choosing a non-animal watch strap for your next acquisition.This article has been written by Melinda Braaksma for MONOCHROME.?First, let’s establish the definitions used in this article. Genuine leather is the term used for material made from animal skin, used to create fashion items such as handbags, shoes, belts, watch straps and jackets, but also furniture and car interiors. Whereas it can be argued that leather is a by-product of the dairy and meat industry and that if the leather is not bought